Here, they’ll find the option to remap the Control, Option, Command, and Caps Lock keys. They simply need to open System Preferences, click on Keyboard, then select the Modifier Keys button. One can quickly adjust the basic key functions directly within System Preferences. When using a Windows keyboard with a Mac, the goal is to make the transition seamless, preserving your muscle memory and making common shortcuts easily accessible. Remembering these little details can make the move from a Windows to a Mac keyboard much smoother. To make sense of this all, here’s a tip: If an app tells you to use the Command key on a Mac, you’ll be looking for the key with the ⌘ symbol. Then there’s the Control key, which exists on both keyboards but is used more heavily for shortcuts on a Mac. What is known as the “Alt” key on a Windows keyboard corresponds to the Option key on a Mac keyboard. The keys on Mac are labeled differently too.
Think of it like the Swiss Army knife of Mac keyboard keys it does a lot. Instead, the Command key on Mac keyboards is used for shortcuts like saving a file or quitting an app. Windows keyboards have a key with the Windows logo, but Mac keyboards don’t. But on Mac keyboards, they use the Control key, the Option key, and especially the Command key. On Windows keyboards, Ctrl, Alt, and the Windows key play a big role. They’re like the secret sauce that makes shortcuts work. Modifier keys are the keys that you press together with other keys to make shortcuts. Here’s a rundown of the main differences: Windows Key That’s because Windows keyboards and Mac keyboards don’t have the same layout or keys.
For example, in many apps, if you press the Option key while viewing the File menu, File > Close changes to File > Close All.When someone switches from a Windows computer to a Mac, they might notice that typing feels different. Pressing the Option key while viewing a menu reveals hidden menu items. Shift-Command-4 takes a picture of the part of the screen you select. Shift-Command-3 takes a picture of the entire screen. In some apps, controls whether pressing the arrow keys moves the pointer or scrolls in a window. (You may need to press and hold the Fn key first) In some apps, controls whether pressing keys in the numeric keypad enters numbers or moves the pointer. Press Fn–Left Arrow (Home) to scroll to the beginning of the current document press Fn–Right Arrow (End) to scroll to the end of the document. On the Mac, press Command-Left Arrow to move the insertion point to the beginning of the current line press Command-Right Arrow to move the insertion point to the end of the line. Press Command-S to save a document or file. Press and hold the Control key, then click to open a shortcut menu. Performs actions or shortcuts like these:
Get started with accessibility features.Use Sign in with Apple for apps and websites.Watch and listen together with SharePlay.Share and collaborate on files and folders.Sync music, books, and more between devices.Make and receive phone calls on your Mac.Use one keyboard and mouse to control Mac and iPad.Use Live Text to interact with text in a photo.Make text and other items on the screen bigger.Install and reinstall apps from the App Store.